ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Jutta Brückner Returns with 'Im Spiegel meiner Mutter' After 20 Years

other · 2026-08-11

After a hiatus of more than twenty years, German director Jutta Brückner presents 'Im Spiegel meiner Mutter', starring Corinna Harfouch as Ursula Scheuner, a university professor. Following the passing of her mother, Ursula grapples with suppressed memories of their controlling relationship while collaborating with her assistant Melanie on a bog body that represents these hidden recollections. Brückner employs a non-linear storytelling approach, intertwining reality, memory, and imagination. The mysterious Melanie, played by Juri, acts as a projection figure. Critics note the film’s overt commentary on wokeness and gender inequality, despite Harfouch's compelling performance. A review on kulturnews.de points out Brückner's recurring exploration of familial connections and the past. The film's title translates to 'In the Mirror of My Mother'.

Key facts

  • Jutta Brückner returns with new film 'Im Spiegel meiner Mutter' after more than 20 years.
  • Brückner was a prominent figure of the New German Cinema in the 1970s, alongside Margarethe von Trotta and Helma Sanders-Brahms.
  • The film stars Corinna Harfouch as Ursula Scheuner, a university professor and archaeologist.
  • The plot involves Ursula sorting her deceased mother's estate and confronting repressed memories.
  • A bog body is used as a metaphor for unearthing buried memories.
  • The film is noted for its non-linear narrative and blending of reality, memory, and imagination.
  • The character Melanie, played by Juri, is a mysterious projection figure.
  • The film addresses themes of wokeness and gender inequality, which critics find overly explicit.
  • The review is published on kulturnews.de and includes a photo credit to COIN FILM | Daniela Knapp.
  • The cast includes Hildegard Schmah.

Entities

Artists

  • Jutta Brückner
  • Margarethe von Trotta
  • Helma Sanders-Brahms
  • Corinna Harfouch
  • Juri
  • Hildegard Schmah

Institutions

  • kulturnews.de
  • COIN FILM

Sources